Several of 1997's members previously played in the Chicago bands Constance, Funeral Etiquette, and October Fall.[1] Their name 1997 was discussed widely, but via the band's MySpace blog, they have rejected all claims of the name's origination. They have since stated that the name came from the younger brother of Caleb Pepp (main vocals/guitar), as a suggestion for a previous band they had started. They began practicing together in October 2005, and after strong local performances signed with Victory Records in 2006.
Victory issued their debut album, entitled A Better View of the Rising Moon, in April 2007, as the group toured the US with The Audition and The Graduate. The title of the album comes from a haiku by Masahide:[2]
Since my house burned down,
I now own a better view
Of the rising moon.